South Sudan: Wealth is not everything
By Pal Chol Nyan, Juba, South Sudan
February 1, 2016 (SSB) — I am baffled by how big men and the wealthy respond to greetings with less attention; no matter how cordial you may be. When you extend them your hands, they unacceptably give you the tips of the three fingers. In this situation, you are favoured.
Behind the back of their mind is that, they will be asked for money after the pleasantries. This is a new and strange culture which I have observed with keen interest. I agree that the culture of dependency syndrome is unbearable and should not be encouraged to say the least.
Our good men and women (those who have wealth) with their classes should separate those who beg them and those who say hi. Salaam is suna according to the teaching of Prophet Mohammed, peace be upon Him. Our religions and culture dictate that we should greet ourselves. Now I am thankful to myself for keeping a low profile from these men.
The kind should not talk about his kindness goes the saying. It is wicked to think that once you acquired wealth, you have secured an everlasting life. I don’t bother myself to greet them. If I do it, I will be counted among the begging suspects. I always side with the haves-not although I have do not much to give them.
I can’t ignore a fellow human being because I have money.my motto is that I will die giving. Giving has no relation with how much money or wealth one owns. It is a cultural and religious virtue. This is how my dear mum taught me. In our diversified societies, there are the rich and the poor. Before the migration to the town, South Sudanese were known for being generous and hospitable.
Sharing was so coming. With money now in the town as the main source of income, the Western culture of eating alone becomes the order of the day. Having had the chance to go overseas, my European friend told me this culture of not sharing is being phased out because it is breaking up families and relatives.
The wealthy wrongly think the flavour of money ends with them. It is a bad habit for sure to beg but it is a human trait to ask for a help when you are in need. I also do but not as much as others because I know I will not be given. Distinctively, when people ask me, I give or divide the little I have but I don’t show my light before men.
This is what my conscience tells me to do. When we choose to give freely, we will encourage idleness. Our people will just indulge in bad practices and be inured to the habit of being given only. Even so, I still have to give because there is more in receiving than in giving.
I have a message for all those who exploited this war and became wealthy by default; do not ignore us because we are intentionally made to be poor. It is not because we are not able or refusing to work. As believers, and no matter how much hunger we face, we will not be jealous or covetous of your capitals with bad intentions.
Enjoy but the wealth should not be considered to be everything. What is vital is love of one another.
Reach the author: palcholnyan@yahoo.com <palcholnyan@yahoo.com>
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